Stomach Cancer

Adenocarcinomas are the most common stomach cancers which develop in the cells of the stomach’s lining, often following a precancerous change in this lining.

Primary gastric lymphoma is rare and accounts of less than 15% of stomach cancers and about 2% of all lymphomas. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are also rare tumors that most commonly involve the stomach. Carcinoid tumors are also uncommon cancers that can affect the stomach and arise from the hormone producing cells of the stomach.

Age: Most individuals who develop stomach cancer are older than 55 years of age.

Helicobacter pylori: Infection of the stomach by H. pylori bacteria, a common cause of ulcers, is believed to significantly increase one’s cancer risk.

Smoking and alcohol abuse: both smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol appear to increase the likelihood of cancer in the upper part of the stomach.

Genetic disposition: Immediate family members of those diagnosed with stomach cancer are at increased risk for developing the disease. Other genetic risk factors include hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) syndrome and Li-Fraumeni syndrome, conditions that result in a predisposition to cancer. Having type A blood appears to slightly increase the risk for stomach cancer.

Medical Conditions: People with pernicious anemia are 5-10% more likely to develop stomach cancer. Those with chronic stomach inflammation and intestinal polyps are also at increased risk for the disease.

Various investigations may be performed depending on the symptoms leading to the diagnosis of cancer and for determination of the extent of cancer. Some tests that may be performed according to the cancer type include:

Once the diagnosis is made, cancer removal when possible would be the best treatment option in the majority of cases.

Surgery is an option when treating stomach cancer which often involves removal of tumors, portions of the stomach and neighbouring lymph nodes. Depending on the stage of the tumor, similar results can be achieved either as an open operation or keyhole surgery. Frequently, treatment of stomach cancer involves a combination of chemotherapy and surgery.

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